A boxing programme set up by Birmingham’s former world champion Wayne Elcock was hailed a knockout success by police.

Officers said yob behaviour and crime had been slashed in the Craig Croft area of Chelmsley Wood thanks to the boxing classes he launched in the area.

Elcock, 39, was asked by the Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Team to start a programme after tensions were heightened by the fatal stabbing of Lance Gregory, who was knifed by a former friend in the area last November.

Lance Gregory

The former WBU World Middleweight champ ran a 12-week course through Wayne Elcock’s Box Clever, the firm he set up in 2010 to deliver coaching to troubled youths on tough estates.

“The experience from day one was brilliant,” he said.

“I was the middle man breaking down barriers so the kids could engage more and the officers got to know them. It’s one of the biggest benefits of the courses we run.

“Kids also learn about discipline, self-esteem, healthy eating and following a good diet.”

Elcock, who has shaken off the ‘Mad Dog’ alias he adopted as a professional fighter, is now in line for a community award from police.

It will be presented at a ceremony honouring the achievements of people and groups in the area at The Onward Club, in Chelmsley Wood, on June 17.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “The programme was a huge success.

“Relationships between the local police, youths, parents and community have strengthened with great feedback received from all.”

Elcock, who grew up in Shard End but now lives in Coleshill, received a similar award for his classes from a housing association in Walsall. “To be recognised by the police is great,” he added.